Monseau Relishes New WVU Medical Position

Bubba Kapral

Executive Sports Editor

bkapral@timesleaderonline.com

MORGANTOWN — Dr. A.J. Monseau is passionate about medicine and just as passionate about athletics.

It is no wonder the Wheeling Park grad is excited about his new job.

Monseau, 37, has been named the new head team physician and medical director for West Virginia University athletics.

The WVU Emergency Medicine and Sports Medicine physician will be charged with leading the WVU staff of team physicians while working in conjunction with the athletic training staff in providing healthcare to all student-athletes. His new position is totally encompassing as it will include injury prevention, treatment, education, counseling and rehabilitation.

Last year, Dr. Monseau served as the team physician for the Mountaineers men’s basketball team. He also served as team physician for USA Wrestling at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

“I am very excited. This has been a career goal of mine. I have been trying to work hard for this. I am excited to provide care for our WVU athletes,” Dr. Monseau said. “I am looking forward to working with our athletic trainers and medical staff, functioning as a team.

“I want to hold myself to a high standard of professionalism. I also want to continue to practice emergency medicine at the university and at Ruby Memorial Hospital so I do not lose those skills.”

Monseau earned his medical degree from the WVU School of Medicine, where he also did his residency training. He then trekked to Ann Arbor to complete his fellowship training in primary care sports medicine at the University of Michigan School of Medicine. He returned to his alma mater upon completion of his fellowship in 2011.

“Last year with Coach Huggins and the men’s basketball team was really a lot of fun. Coach Huggins and his staff are great to work with,” Dr. Monseau noted. “(Huggins) has a reputation as a very loyal guy, and you could see that. They all rallied around him. It was a special atmosphere.

“It was exciting and a great honor to be part of our Olympic team. It was a special setting being around the best athletes in the world. It was a tremendous experience trying to give our athletes the best chance of success. It was great to be exposed to that high caliber of athletes.”

Dr. Monseau’s exceptional handling of the WVU hoopsters didn’t go unnoticed by the head coach.

“He’s been terrific. Our medical care took a quantum step forward when he was hired to work with men’s basketball,” Huggins said. “His experience in athletics has enabled him to better understand athletes who play at this high level.”

Athletics have played a major role in Dr. Monseau’s life. He was a three-sport standout at Wheeling Park before enjoying a successful wrestling career at West Liberty. His dad — the legendary Dr. Vince Monseau — was his Hilltoppers mat coach.

“Growing up and playing three sports, my parents placed the emphasis on effort. It was reinforced that we give 100 percent in everything we did,” Dr. Monseau said. “That 100 percent didn’t just pertain to athletics, it also included academics and also being a good person. My dad is old school and I appreciate that.”

Currently, Dr. Monseau is an associate professor in the WVU Department of Emergency Medicine and is board certified in emergency medicine and primary care sports medicine. He will be overseeing more than 400 Mountaineers athletes.

“Medical care for our student-athletes is of the utmost importance to us,” Director of Athletics and Associate Vice-President Shane Lyons said. “Athletics has had a long-standing relationship with WVU Medicine that has spanned generations, and we look forward to that great relationship continuing for many years to come. I want to thank Albert Wright, (WVU Medicine Vice President and Chief Ambulatory Officer) Darin Rogers, and (WVU Health Sciences Vice President and Executive Dean) Clay Marsh for all their help, and we are excited to have A.J. in this new role.”

Dr. Monseau has two children: Bianca, who will soon turn 7, and Mason, 5.

BUBBA’S BITS

∫ Bellaire graduate Spencer Badia was named second-team academic all-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Badia, who completed his junior season at Baldwin-Wallace, carries a 4.0 grade point average.

∫ The PGA made a prudent decision in moving the PGA Championship to May. All too often golf’s fourth major got lost in the football shuffle.

∫ Kudos to the Beallsville Sportsmen’s Club for funding the new scoreboard at the Blue Devils’ football field. It is state-of-the-art, featuring a nice video display.

∫ Nick Saban is the one of the two best college football coaches, along with Urban Meyer. The Alabama boss, however, comes up soft when it comes to the realm of discipline. Saban opted not to suspend star defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand after his arrest on DUI charges. Bama opens the season against Florida State.

∫ Congratulations to Harrison Central’s Ray Hibbs for being selected this year’s OVAC Athletic Director of the Year.

∫ The Cleveland Indians pulled off a heist by obtaining slugger Jay Bruce from the New York Mets for a minor leaguer. Bruce puts additional pop in an already potent attack.

∫ Josh Dobbs has the makings of a solid NFL quarterback. After a rough start, the Steeler rookie finished well against the Giants Friday night. Meanwhile, Ezekiel Elliot’s suspension may prove a blessing. It gives the former OSU great time to reflect and eventually grow up. He is too talented to be so immature.